Flexible conduit and method for forming the same

ABSTRACT

A conduit defining a continuous conduit passage extending from a first opening to a second opening includes a plurality of flexible, tubular, corrugated sections, each defining at least a portion of the conduit passage therethrough. A plurality of tubular, non-corrugated sections are merged with at least one of the corrugated sections and define at least a portion of the conduit passage therethrough. The plurality of corrugated sections and the plurality of non-corrugated sections are arranged in alternating relation.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to conduits and pipes and, moreparticularly, to conduits and pipes for forming bends.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Polymeric pipes are commonly used for transporting water andother fluids. Pipes formed of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and chlorinatedpolyvinyl chloride (CPVC) may be preferred in many applications becauseof their performance characteristics and relatively low cost. PVC andCPVC pipes are rigid and typically are difficult to bend withoutkinking. As a result, typically fittings must be used to accommodatemore than nominal bends. Alternatively, heat may be used to soften apipe for bending. However, heat bending may reduce the performancecharacteristics (e.g., the pressure rating) of the pipe if the pipe wallon the outside of the bend is stretched thin. As a consequence of theforegoing problems, flexible piping material such as cross-linkedpolyethylene (PEX) and other polyolefin-based pipes have been employedin applications where PVC or CPVC piping might otherwise be preferred.Moreover, PEX and other polyolefin-based pipes may also suffer frominsufficient flexibility.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] According to embodiments of the present invention, a conduitdefining a continuous conduit passage includes a flexible, tubular,corrugated section defining at least a portion of the conduit passagetherethrough. At least the corrugated section is formed of CPVC.

[0004] According to further embodiments of the present invention, aconduit defining a continuous conduit passage includes a flexible,tubular, corrugated section defining at least a portion of the conduitpassage therethrough. At least the corrugated section is formed ofcross-linked polyethylene (PEX).

[0005] According to further embodiments of the present invention, aconduit defining a continuous conduit passage extending from a firstopening to a second opening includes a plurality of flexible, tubular,corrugated sections, each defining at least a portion of the conduitpassage therethrough. A plurality of tubular, non-corrugated sections isprovided. Each of the non-corrugated sections merges with at least oneof the corrugated sections and defines at least a portion of the conduitpassage therethrough. The plurality of corrugated sections and theplurality of non-corrugated sections are arranged in alternatingrelation.

[0006] According to further embodiments of the present invention, aconduit system includes first and second substantially rigid conduits. Athird conduit is interposed between the first and second conduits. Thethird conduit includes a flexible, tubular, corrugated section. At leastthe corrugated section is formed of CPVC.

[0007] According to further embodiments of the present invention, aconduit includes first and second substantially rigid conduits and athird conduit interposed between the first and second conduits. Thethird conduit includes a flexible, tubular, corrugated section. At leastthe corrugated section is formed of PEX.

[0008] According to method embodiments of the present invention, amethod for forming a conduit includes extruding a tubular pre-form ofPVC, CPVC, or PEX. Thereafter, a corrugated section is formed in thepre-form.

[0009] According to further method embodiments of the present invention,a method for forming a conduit includes extruding a tubular pre-form ofa thermoplastic. A corrugated section is formed in the pre-form. Anon-corrugated section is formed in the pre-form such that thenon-corrugated section is merged with the corrugated section.

[0010] According to further method embodiments of the present invention,a method for forming a conduit system includes providing a first conduitincluding a flexible, tubular, corrugated section. At least thecorrugated section is formed of CPVC. Second and third substantiallyrigid conduits are coupled to opposed ends of the first conduit. Thecorrugated section is bent to form a bend between the second and thirdconduits.

[0011] According to further method embodiments of the present invention,a method for forming a conduit system includes providing a first conduitincluding a flexible, tubular, corrugated section defining at least aportion of the conduit passage therethrough, wherein at least thecorrugated section is formed of PEX. Second and third substantiallyrigid conduits are coupled to opposed ends of the first conduit. Thecorrugated section is bent to form a bend between the second and thirdconduits.

[0012] According to further method embodiments of the present invention,a method for forming a conduit system includes providing a corrugatedconduit defining a continuous conduit passage and including a flexible,tubular, corrugated section defining a first portion of the conduitpassage therethrough. The corrugated section is formed of athermoplastic. A tubular, non-corrugated section is merged with thecorrugated section at an end of the corrugate section. Thenon-corrugated section defines a second portion of the conduit passage.The corrugated conduit is installed in a building structure such thatthe corrugated conduit provides fluid communication between a supply ofpotable water and a dispenser.

[0013] Objects of the present invention will be appreciated by those ofordinary skill in the art from a reading of the figures and the detaileddescription of the preferred embodiments which follow, such descriptionbeing merely illustrative of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014]FIG. 1 is a side view of a conduit according to embodiments of thepresent invention;

[0015]FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the conduit of FIG. 1 takenalong the line 2-2;

[0016]FIG. 3 is a side view of a conduit system including the conduit ofFIG. 1;

[0017]FIG. 4 is a side view of a conduit assembly according toembodiments of the present invention;

[0018]FIG. 5 is a side view of a conduit system including a portion ofthe conduit assembly of FIG. 4;

[0019]FIG. 6 is a schematic view of an apparatus for forming andpackaging a conduit assembly according to embodiments of the presentinvention; and

[0020]FIG. 7 is a block diagram representing method embodiments of thepresent invention for forming the conduit of FIG. 1 and the conduitassembly of FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] The present invention now is described more fully hereinafterwith reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferredembodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, beembodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limitedto the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments areprovided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and willfully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0022] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a conduit 100 according topreferred embodiments of the present invention is shown therein. Theconduit 100 may be used to form a conduit system 17 as shown in FIG. 3.As discussed in more detail below, two or more of the conduits 100 maybe integrally formed and connected so as to form a conduit assembly 10as shown in FIG. 4.

[0023] As best seen in FIG. 2, the conduit 100 includes a tubular,flexible corrugated section 130 and a pair of integral, relativelyrigid, tubular, non-corrugated sections 112 and 114 merged with andextending from opposed ends of the corrugated section 130. The conduit100 defines opposed end openings 140A and 140B and a through passage 140extending between and fluidly connecting the openings 140A and 140B.Portions 142, 144 and 146 of the passage 140 are defined within thesections 112, 130 and 114, respectively. The overall length L1 of theconduit 100 is preferably between about 14 and 52 inches.

[0024] The non-corrugated sections 112, 114 are preferably adapted toengage conventional piping of common or standard dimensions. The lengthL2 of each of the non-corrugated sections 112 and 114 is preferably atleast about 2 inches. The nominal inner diameter D1 of the sections 112and 114 is preferably at least 0.489 inch, and more preferably betweenabout 0.489 and 2.149 inches. Each of the non-corrugated sections 112,114 preferably has a nominal thickness T1 of at least 0.068 inch, andmore preferably between about 0.068 and 0.113 inch.

[0025] The corrugated section 130 includes a plurality of annular,concentric walls 135. Adjacent walls 135 are joined along upper folds132 and lower folds 134 to form a series of corrugations.

[0026] The distance W1 of adjacent upper folds 132 is preferably betweenabout 0.335 and 0.551 inch. The distance W2 between adjacent lower folds134 is preferably between about 0.335 and 0.551 inch. The walls 135preferably have a nominal thickness T2 of at least 0.068 inch, and morepreferably between about 0.068 and 0.113 inch. The lower folds 134preferably have a thickness T3 of at least 0.068 inch, and morepreferably between about 0.068 and 0.113 inch. The upper folds 132preferably have a thickness T4 at least 0.068 inch, and more preferablyof between about 0.068 and 0.113 inch. The corrugations preferably havea height D2 (i.e., the radial distance from a given upper fold 132 to agiven lower fold 134) of between about 0.281 and 0.469 inch. The nominalinner diameters of the lower folds 134 are preferably the same as thenominal inner diameter D1 of the non-corrugated sections 112, 114.Preferably, the wall thickness is substantially uniform along the fulllength L1 of the conduit 100. The length L3 of the corrugated section130 is preferably between about 10 and 40 inches, and more preferably ofbetween about 10 and 12 inches.

[0027] The conduit 100 may be formed of any suitable polymeric material.According to certain preferred embodiments, the conduit 100 is formed ofCPVC. When formed of CPVC, the conduit 100 is particularly well suitedfor use in pressurized hot water piping. Preferably, the material of theconduit 100 has a modulus of elasticity of at least 360,000 psi and,more preferably, of between about 360,000 and 400,000 psi.

[0028] When formed of CPVC, the conduit 100 preferably has a burstpressure of at least 250 psi at 180° F. When formed of PVC, the conduit100 preferably has a burst pressure of at least 630 psi at 73° F.Preferably, the conduit 100 is constructed so as to meet or exceed ASTMStandard F1970-01, revision 2001, when formed of CPVC. Preferably, theconduit 100 is constructed so as to meet or exceed ASTM StandardD2241-00, revision 2000, when formed of PVC. Preferably the conduitmeets or exceeds ASTM Standard D1784-99A.

[0029] With reference to FIG. 3, the conduit 100 may be used in thefollowing manner to form a conduit system 17. The non-corrugatedsections 112 and 114 are inserted into the open ends of substantiallyrigid tubular conduits 12 and 14, respectively. The conduits 12, 14 maybe of conventional construction and are preferably formed of PVC orCPVC. The corrugated section 130 is bent to form a bend 16 between theconduits 12 and 14. It will be appreciated that the conduits 12 and 14may be coupled to the sections 112 and 114 by other techniques.

[0030] When formed of CPVC, the corrugated section 130 is preferablyadapted to bend at an angle of at least 90 degrees relative to straightwhile maintaining a burst pressure of at least 250 psi at 180° F. Whenformed of PVC, the corrugated section 130 is preferably adapted to bendat an angle of at least 90 degrees relative to straight whilemaintaining a burst pressure of at least 630 psi at 73° F.

[0031] With reference to FIG. 4, a plurality of the conduits 100 may beserially connected to form an integral conduit assembly 10. Moreparticularly, the conduit assembly 10 includes a series of corrugatedsections 130 and extended, non-corrugated sections 110 arranged inalternating relation. Each non-corrugated section 110 corresponds to thenon-corrugated sections 112 and 114 of adjacent conduits 100.

[0032] A single conduit 100 may be provided by cutting the conduit 100from the conduit assembly 10. Alternatively, two or more of the conduits100 may be cut from the conduit assembly 10 such that the two or moreconduits 100 are still connected or the conduit assembly 10 may be usedas a whole. For example, with reference to FIG. 5, a conduit assembly10A consisting of two conduits 100 joined at an extended non-corrugatedsection 110 is shown therein. The non-corrugated section 112 of thefirst conduit 100 and the non-corrugated section 114 of the secondconduit 100 are coupled to the conduits 12 and 14, respectively. Each ofthe corrugated sections 130 is bent to form a combined bend 19. Conduitsystems according to the present invention may be formed using conduitassemblies consisting of greater than two conduits 100, for example, toform sharper bends without overstressing the conduit assembly.

[0033] According to preferred methods of the present invention and withreference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the conduit 100 or conduit assembly 10 maybe formed using the following methods and an apparatus 160. Suitable rawmaterial (e.g., CPVC compound in pellet or powder form) is provided toan extruder 162. The extruder 162 is preferably a twin screw extruder. Acontinuous, tubular conduit pre-form 102 is extruded from the extruder162 (Block 170). Preferably, the pre-form 102 has substantially the sameinner and outer diameters as the non-corrugated sections 112 and 114.The pre-form 102 is preferably generated at a rate of at least 15 feetper minute.

[0034] The pre-form 102 is directed to a corrugator 166, which ispreferably in-line with the extruder 162. Preferably, the pre-form 102extends continuously from the extruder 162 to the corrugator 166. Thecorrugator 166 forms the corrugations of the corrugated section 130 inthe pre-form 102 (Block 172). More particularly, the corrugator 166intermittently engages the pre-form 102 to form the corrugated sections130 at spaced apart locations along the length of the pre-form 102 suchthat uncorrugated sections corresponding to the sections 110 remainbetween the corrugated sections 130. Preferably, the pre-form 102extends along substantially a single axis all the way from the exit ofthe extruder 162 to the downstream end of the portions of the corrugator166 that engage the pre-form 102 (e.g., the mold dies). Preferably, thepre-form 102 is maintained at a temperature in the range of betweenabout 350 and 450° F. from the extruder 162 to the corrugator 166.

[0035] The corrugated sections 130 are formed by the corrugator 166while the pre-form 102 is heat-softened (i.e., in its plasticizedcondition). Preferably, the pre-form 102 is still heat softened (i.e.,plasticized) from the heat of the extruder 162. Auxiliary heaters (e.g.,in the corrugator 166) may be used to soften the pre-form 102 for thecorrugating step. Preferably, the sections of the pre-form 102 in whichthe corrugations are formed are at a temperature of between about 350and 450° F. during the step of molding the corrugations into thepre-form 102. Preferably, the pre-form is cooled in the corrugator 166such that the exiting tube has a temperature of between about 125 and175° F.

[0036] The corrugator 166 may form the corrugated sections 130 using acombination of a mold and a vacuum. The vacuum is provided in the moldto draw the pre-form 102 into the mold dies, the mold dies having theshape of the desired corrugated section 130.

[0037] The corrugator 166 may form the corrugated sections 130 using acombination of a mold and pressure or blow molding. A pressurized fluid,for example, air, is provided inside the pre-form 102 to prevent orlimit collapse of the pre-form 102 as the mold dies are compressed aboutthe pre-form 102. The mold dies have the shape of the desired corrugatedsection 130.

[0038] A continuous conduit assembly 10 is thereby produced from thecorrugator 166. After cooling, the conduit assembly 10 may thereafter bepackaged in desired fashion (Block 174). The conduit assembly 10 may bewound onto a roll 168 to form a package 11. Alternatively, the conduitassembly 10 may be cut to desired lengths including one or multipleconduits 100.

[0039] The conduits and conduit assemblies of the present invention maybe used to convey potable water. The conduit and conduit assemblies mayconvey the potable water from a suitable source of potable water such asa water storage container or a water supply pipe (e.g., a municipalwater line) to a suitable dispenser such as a faucet. Preferably, suchconduit formed of CPVC is installed in a building structure to conveypotable pressurized hot water (i.e., water having a temperature in therange of between about 120 and 160° F.). Such conduit formed of PVC maybe installed in the building structure to convey potable pressurizedcold water (i.e., water having a temperature in the range of betweenabout 40 and 80° F.). The building structure may be a residential orcommercial structure.

[0040] According to further embodiments of the present invention,conduits and integral conduit assemblies as described above may beformed of suitable thermoplastic materials other than PVC or CPVC. Suchconduits and conduit assemblies may be formed in the same manner andotherwise of the same construction as described above with regard to theconduit 100 and the conduit assembly 10. The selected thermoplasticmaterial is preferably well-suited for use in pressurized water piping.It is particularly contemplated that conduits and conduit assemblies asdescribed above may be formed of cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) inplace of PVC or CPVC. While PEX may have significant inherentflexibility, the corrugated sections provide additional flexibility tofacilitate installation and longevity.

[0041] The foregoing is illustrative of the present invention and is notto be construed as limiting thereof. Although a few exemplaryembodiments of this invention have been described, those skilled in theart will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in theexemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, all suchmodifications are intended to be included within the scope of thisinvention. Therefore, it is to be understood that the foregoing isillustrative of the present invention and is not to be construed aslimited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications tothe disclosed embodiments, as well as other embodiments, are intended tobe included within the scope of the invention.

That which is claimed is:
 1. A conduit defining a continuous conduitpassage and comprising: a) a flexible, tubular, corrugated sectiondefining at least a portion of the conduit passage therethrough; b)wherein at least the corrugated section is formed of CPVC.
 2. Theconduit of claim 1 further including: a) a tubular, non-corrugatedsection merged with the corrugated section at an end of the corrugatedsection; b) wherein the non-corrugated section defines a second portionof the conduit passage.
 3. The conduit of claim 2 wherein thenon-corrugated section is formed of CPVC.
 4. The conduit of claim 2wherein the non-corrugated section has a nominal wall thickness of atleast 0.068 inch.
 5. The conduit of claim 2 wherein the non-corrugatedsection has a nominal inner diameter of at least 0.489 inch.
 6. Theconduit of claim 2 wherein the non-corrugated section has a length of atleast about 2 inches.
 7. The conduit of claim 2 including: a) a secondtubular, non-corrugated section merged with the corrugated section at asecond end of the corrugated section; b) wherein the secondnon-corrugated section defines a third portion of the conduit passage.8. The conduit of claim 7 including a second tubular, corrugated sectionmerged with the second non-corrugated section at an end of the secondnon-corrugated section opposite the first corrugated section.
 9. Theconduit of claim 1 wherein the corrugated section has a nominal wallthickness of at least 0.068 inch.
 10. The conduit of claim 1 wherein thecorrugated section has a nominal inner diameter of at least 0.489 inch.12. The conduit of claim 1 wherein the corrugated section has a lengthof between about 10 and 40 inches.
 13. The conduit of claim 1 whereinthe conduit has a burst pressure of at least 250 psi at 180° F.
 14. Theconduit of claim 1 wherein the conduit meets or exceeds ASTM F1970-01,revision
 2001. 15. The conduit of claim 1 wherein the conduit is formedof CPVC having a modulus of elasticity of at least 360,000 psi.
 16. Aconduit defining a continuous conduit passage and comprising: a) aflexible, tubular, corrugated section defining at least a portion of theconduit passage therethrough; b) wherein at least the corrugated sectionis formed of cross-linked polyethylene (PEX).
 17. The conduit of claim16 further including: a) a tubular, non-corrugated section merged withthe corrugated section at an end of the corrugated section; b) whereinthe non-corrugated section defines a second portion of the conduitpassage.
 18. The conduit of claim 17 wherein the non-corrugated sectionis formed of PEX.
 19. The conduit of claim 17 wherein the non-corrugatedsection has a length of at least about 2 inches.
 20. The conduit ofclaim 17 including: a) a second tubular, non-corrugated section mergedwith the corrugated section at a second end of the corrugated section;b) wherein the second non-corrugated section defines a third portion ofthe conduit passage.
 21. The conduit of claim 20 including a secondtubular, corrugated section merged with the second non-corrugatedsection at an end of the second non-corrugated section opposite thefirst corrugated section.
 22. A conduit defining a continuous conduitpassage extending from a first opening to a second opening andcomprising: a) a plurality of flexible, tubular, corrugated sectionseach defining at least a portion of the conduit passage therethrough;and b) a plurality of tubular, non-corrugated sections each merged withat least one of the corrugated sections and defining at least a portionof the conduit passage therethrough; c) wherein the plurality ofcorrugated sections and the plurality of non-corrugated sections arearranged in alternating relation.
 23. The conduit of claim 22 whereineach of the corrugated sections and the non-corrugated sections isformed of a thermoplastic.
 24. The conduit of claim 23 wherein each ofthe corrugated sections and the non-corrugated sections is formed ofCPVC.
 25. The conduit of claim 24 wherein the conduit meets or exceedsASTM F1970-01, revision
 2001. 26. The conduit of claim 23 wherein eachof the corrugated sections and the non-corrugated sections is formed ofPVC.
 27. The conduit of claim 26 wherein the conduit meets or exceedsASTM D2241-00, revision
 2000. 28. The conduit of claim 23 wherein eachof the corrugated sections and the non-corrugated sections is formed ofPEX.
 29. The conduit of claim 22 wherein the conduit is formed of PVC orCPVC having a modulus of elasticity of at least 360,000 psi.
 30. Aconduit system comprising: a) first and second substantially rigidconduits; and b) a third conduit interposed between the first and secondconduits, wherein: the third conduit includes a flexible, tubular,corrugated section; and at least the corrugated section is formed ofCPVC.
 31. A conduit system comprising: a) first and second substantiallyrigid conduits; and b) a third conduit interposed between the first andsecond conduits, wherein: the third conduit includes a flexible,tubular, corrugated section; and at least the corrugated section isformed of PEX.
 32. A method for forming a conduit, the methodcomprising: a) extruding a tubular pre-form of PVC, CPVC, or PEX; and b)forming a corrugated section in the pre-form.
 33. The method of claim 32wherein the pre-form is formed of CPVC.
 34. The method of claim 32wherein the pre-form is formed of PVC.
 35. The method of claim 32wherein the pre-form is formed of PEX.
 36. The method of claim 32wherein the conduit is formed to meet or exceed ASTM D1794-99A.
 37. Themethod of claim 32 wherein the step of forming the corrugated section isperformed in-line with the step of extruding the pre-form.
 38. Themethod of claim 32 wherein said step of forming a corrugated sectionincludes forming corrugations in the pre-form while the pre-form isplasticized.
 39. The method of claim 38 wherein said step of forming acorrugated section includes: a) compressing the pre-form with at leastone mold adapted to form the corrugations; and b) pressurizing aninterior passage of the pre-form with a pressurizing fluid while themold is compressing the pre-form to limit displacement of walls of thepre-form into the interior passage.
 40. The method of claim 38 whereinsaid step of forming a corrugated section includes: a) positioning atleast one mold adjacent the pre-form, the mold being adapted to form thecorrugations; and b) applying a vacuum to draw at least a portion of thepre-form into the mold to thereby form the corrugations.
 41. A methodfor forming a conduit, the method comprising: a) extruding a tubularpre-form of a thermoplastic; b) forming a corrugated section in thepre-form; and c) forming a non-corrugated section in the pre-form suchthat the non-corrugated section is merged with the corrugated section.42. The method of claim 41 wherein the pre-form is formed of CPVC. 43.The method of claim 41 wherein the pre-form is formed of PVC.
 44. Themethod of claim 41 wherein the pre-form is formed of PEX.
 45. A methodfor forming a conduit system, said method comprising: providing a firstconduit including a flexible, tubular, corrugated section defining atleast a portion of the conduit passage therethrough, wherein at leastthe corrugated section is formed of CPVC; coupling second and thirdsubstantially rigid conduits to opposed ends of the first conduit; andbending the corrugated section to form a bend between the second andthird conduits.
 46. The method of claim 45 wherein the first conduitincludes a second corrugated section connected to the first corrugatedsection by an integral non-corrugated section, and further includingbending the second corrugated section to form the bend.
 47. The methodof claim 46 including cutting the first conduit from a conduit assemblyincluding a third corrugated section, said step of cutting includingseparating the first conduit from the third corrugated section.
 48. Amethod for forming a conduit system, said method comprising: providing afirst conduit including a flexible, tubular, corrugated section definingat least a portion of the conduit passage therethrough, wherein at leastthe corrugated section is formed of PEX; coupling second and thirdsubstantially rigid conduits to opposed ends of the first conduit; andbending the corrugated section to form a bend between the second andthird conduits.
 49. The method of claim 48 wherein the first conduitincludes a second corrugated section connected to the first corrugatedsection by an integral non-corrugated section, and further includingbending the second corrugated section to form the bend.
 50. The methodof claim 49 including cutting the first conduit from a conduit assemblyincluding a third corrugated section, said step of cutting includingseparating the first conduit from the third corrugated section.
 51. Amethod for forming a conduit system, the method comprising: a) providinga corrugated conduit defining a continuous conduit passage andincluding: a flexible, tubular, corrugated section defining a firstportion of the conduit passage therethrough, the corrugated sectionbeing formed of a thermoplastic; and a tubular, non-corrugated sectionmerged with the corrugated section at an end of the corrugate section,the non-corrugated section defining a second portion of the conduitpassage; and b) installing the corrugated conduit in a buildingstructure such that the corrugated conduit provides fluid communicationbetween a supply of potable water and a dispenser.
 52. The method ofclaim 51 wherein the corrugated section is formed of CPVC.
 53. Themethod of claim 51 wherein the corrugated section is formed of PVC. 54.The method of claim 51 wherein the corrugated section is formed of PEX.55. The method of claim 51 wherein the step of installing includesbending the corrugated section to form a bend.
 56. The method of claim51 further including connecting at least one substantially rigid conduitto the corrugated conduit such that the rigid conduit also providesfluid communication between the supply of potable water and thedispenser.